Carol Cross, NCTM and Selina Chu, NCTM Lois Whitner Grant Co-Chairs
This grant may still seem like a best-kept secret to many teachers, but one that has helped students achieve their musical goals for years. First, to review a little history about Lois Whitner: A charter member of Grays Harbor Chapter, Lois began her career as a public-school music teacher. Moving to Montesano in 1933, she directed the Methodist Church Choir for 44 years and began her long private piano teaching career, at the same time continuing her own studies with Leonard Jacobsen of UPS, Nellie Tholen of Lewis and Clark, Sylvia Killman of Portland, and David Kaiserman of UPS.
For several summers, Lois traveled to the Taholah Indian Reservation to conduct 2-week music appreciation classes, introducing classical music to Quinault children. A member of WSMTA for 52 years, Lois served for 13
consecutive years as an officer including Secretary, President, Executive Secretary and Chairman of the Education Board. Both Lois and her husband Chet were enthusiastic supporters of WSMTA and would be proud
to know that in the past 24 years, their bequest has provided over 182 Student Study Grants totaling $142,835.
There were 6 Study Grants awarded this year, each fulfilling a true need for financial assistance and the dreams of committed students. From one recipient, “I am grateful for your generosity, as your support takes away the
financial stress of my voice lessons and allows me to keep pursuing my passion for singing. Your generosity means more to me and my family than words can say.”
The guidelines for application can be found at: https://wsmta.org/lwgrantapplication/.